A patient being treated for depression has taken 300 mg amitriptyline (Elavil)daily for a year.The patient calls the case manager at the clinic and says,"I stopped taking my antidepressant 2 days ago.Now I am having cold sweats,nausea,a rapid heartbeat,and nightmares." The nurse should advise the patient:

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The patient has symptoms associated with abrupt withdrawal of the tricyclic antidepressant.Taking a dose of the drug will ameliorate the symptoms.Seeing the health care provider will allow the patient to discuss the advisability of going off the medication and to be given a gradual withdrawal schedule if discontinuation is the decision.This situation is not a medical emergency,although it calls for medical advice.Resuming taking the antidepressant for 2 more weeks and then discontinuing again would produce the same symptoms the patient is experiencing.

A Patient Being Treated for Depression Has Taken 300 Mg